SANTACO President Abner Tsebe photo by Dimakatso Modipa
By Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala
SANTACO National Spokesperson
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has noted the ongoing public discourse and planned demonstrations relating to illegal immigration and the calls by certain formations for the departure of undocumented foreign nationals from South Africa.
As a law-abiding organisation representing one of the country’s largest public transport sectors, SANTACO supports the principle that all migration into South Africa should take place through lawful channels and in accordance with the country’s immigration laws and regulations.
Effective border management, proper documentation, and compliance with legal processes are essential to maintaining public confidence in the migration system and safeguarding the interests of all who live and work within the Republic.
SANTACO recognises that concerns around illegal immigration are matters that many South Africans feel strongly about and acknowledges the constitutional right of citizens to express their views and advocate for policy reform.
However, the Council believes that any calls for immigration reform or stricter enforcement of existing laws must be pursued through lawful, peaceful, and constructive means.
The Council is particularly concerned by suggestions of actions that may interfere with transport operations, restrict the movement of people, or disrupt economic activity.
South Africa’s transport sector serves as a critical enabler of economic participation, connecting workers to jobs, learners to schools, patients to healthcare facilities, consumers to businesses, and goods to markets.
Any unlawful disruption to the movement of people and goods carries the risk of negatively affecting livelihoods, businesses, productivity, and investor confidence.
The taxi industry’s business is the movement of people.
Every day, millions of commuters rely on taxi services to access opportunities and essential services.
Beyond South Africa’s borders, the industry also plays a significant role in facilitating cross-border travel and trade throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Our members transport passengers, traders, tourists, workers, and families who contribute to economic activity across the region.
As a result, any action that creates uncertainty, discourages travel, disrupts transport services, or projects instability may have unintended consequences not only for the transport sector but also for tourism, trade, regional integration, and broader economic growth.
Such consequences may ultimately affect ordinary South Africans, transport operators, small businesses, and communities whose livelihoods depend on a stable and functioning economy.
SANTACO therefore urges all stakeholders to ensure that any demonstrations, campaigns, or advocacy efforts remain firmly within the confines of the law and are conducted in a manner that respects the rights, safety, and dignity of all people.
South Africa’s challenges can only be addressed sustainably through lawful engagement, effective governance, constructive dialogue, and the consistent enforcement of existing legislation.
The Council further encourages government to continue strengthening border management systems, improving immigration administration processes, and ensuring that immigration laws are applied fairly, consistently, and effectively.
At the same time, those who enter, reside, work, or conduct business in South Africa should do so in full compliance with the laws of the country.
South Africa’s future prosperity depends on economic stability, social cohesion, regional cooperation, and the uninterrupted movement of people and goods.
SANTACO remains committed to supporting initiatives that uphold the rule of law while protecting the transport sector’s contribution to economic development and the broader interests of the nation.
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